how to hydrate your skin naturally - 7 quick tips

What Is Hydrated Skin?

It’s natural to think of water when you hear the word ‘hydration.’ Rightly so, hydrating your skin means increasing its water content. If your skin is dehydrated, it can appear flaky, dull, and dry.

Hydrated skin is smooth, radiant, and has an even tone. To achieve this, you need to quench your skin’s thirst from time to time.

However, people often tend to confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin. Although used synonymously, there is an underlying difference between the two.

Dehydrated Skin Vs. Dry Skin

Dehydrated skin lacks water, whereas dry skin lacks a fair amount of sebum. Dry skin can also be the result of certain medications or diseases.

Factors like climate, lifestyle, age, and the products you use on your skin can change your skin type.

1. Symptoms Of Dry Skin

• Itchiness
• Redness
• Flaky skin
• Skin irritation

2. Symptoms Of Dehydrated Skin

• Dull/dark looking skin
• Prominent dark circles and shadows around eyes
• Itchiness
• The appearance of fine lines/wrinkles
• Dry mouth
• Puffy eyes

Hydration vs. Moisturization

While hydrating your skin requires you to add water to it, moisturizing your skin implies adding ingredients that lock the water inside. Moisturization and hydration go hand in hand.

If you only add water to your skin, it may temporarily feel plump. However, the water will escape from your skin if there is nothing to retain it.

Moisturization involves adding ingredients that lock in the moisture and repair your skin’s barrier. This prevents water loss and improves your skin’s texture and health.

How To Hydrate Your Skin: 7 Steps

1. Drink An Adequate Amount Of Water

The first step to hydrating your skin is hydrating your body. It is recommended for you to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Your body may require more, depending on your daily activities and weight.

2. Use Hydrating Skincare Products

Water-based creams are recommended if you have dehydrated skin. Products that penetrate through your skin and deliver water are vital if you have dehydrated skin. Look for the following hydrating ingredients:

A. Hyaluronic Acid

Plays an important role in hydrating your skin and maintaining its elasticity (1). Hyaluronic acid’s water-binding properties help replenish your skin and also prevent early signs of aging (2).

B. Glycerin

A popular ingredient of the beauty industry, glycerin has hydrating properties that can relieve your skin from feeling dry and itchy. This is because glycerin is a humectant. So it works by attracting moisture from the environment onto the surface of your skin (3).

C. Urea

Another widely used ingredient in the dermatological world, urea, loosens and breaks down hardened protein, relieving your skin of roughness and itchiness (4).

D. Ceramides

These are skin-replenishing ingredients, like the cement that supports the bricks of a building. The makeup and repair your skin’s barrier, preventing water loss and retaining moisture (5).

E. Panthenol

Panthenol is an ingredient that penetrates through the skin and imparts moisture to the cells. This means that it improves skin barrier functions by stimulating cells that boost the same. It also prevents trans-epidermal water loss.

3. Avoid Very Hot And Long Showers

As contradictory as it may sound, bathing for long hours can eradicate your skin’s barrier. This may result in loss of moisture content and necessary oils, which can dehydrate your skin. Using lukewarm water while bathing is ideal.

4. Pamper Yourself With Face Masks/Sheets

Face masks are packed with hydrating ingredients. Incorporating a hydrating face mask into your daily skincare regimen will keep your skin plump and moist. It can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

5. Use A Humidifier

A humidifier can be used when the moisture content in the air around you is low. This can be especially helpful during dry winter months.

6. A Sunscreen Is A Must

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent UVA and UVB skin damage every time you step out in the day. Sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, causing it to lose moisture and break down its collagen and elastin, responsible for its strength and elasticity. This can cause premature signs of aging.

7. Eat Foods Rich In Water

Fruits and vegetables are not only hydrating but are beneficial for your skin in many other ways. Citrus-based fruits like oranges and lemons are packed with juice and are rich in Vitamin C, which is vital to maintain your skin’s texture. Foods rich in Vitamin A and B3 are also essential to improve your overall skin health.